Treatment process

First visit

Introductory session during which the reason for the therapy is discussed; outlining the first cycle of sessions

Assessment visits

2-4 sessions during which the desired goal of the therapy is formulated through musical interaction and therapeutic conversation

Therapeutic process

Musical interactions that meet the client’s/patient’s needs and help to reach the set goal

Dzintra Zarina

„My goal is to help people to overcome psycho-emotional and physical crises, to renew and strengthen their natural mental and bodily self-healing resources. To help to discover and develop personal creative potential and facilitate its realisation.”

Music therapy is a complementary therapy method that helps to improve the client’s/patient’s mental, physical and social health; it is a scientific and creative application of elements of music throughout the therapy process, and it is based in psychology, medicine and art.

Music that is perceived (listened to) or created by the client/patient serves as an excellent medium of communication, especially in situations when the person is struggling to express his/her problems in a direct, therapeutic conversation, regardless whether these difficulties are caused by psychological (depression, etc.) or physical ailments (stroke, autism, etc.).

Music can affect the body and the mind directly, i.e. by the sound’s physical effect on cells and organs (e.g. vibroacoustic sound therapy), and indirectly by triggering an emotional response, which, in turn, activates numerous other processes within the body.

Music as a creative medium of expression is healing on its own, but it also helps to access the patient’s mental processes. This method treats all three aspects of a person’s health – physical, mental, and social.

During the therapeutic process, the patient’s subconsciousness, which holds the causes of our emotional and relationship difficulties and conflicts, is expressed through music. During the therapy, a therapeutic relationship that facilitates a safe environment for talking through a painful or traumatic experience is established between the therapist and the patient/client. By acknowledging such past experiences, new and healthy behavioural models can be created, whereas cumbersome and hurtful emotions can be shaken off thus improving one's quality of life.

neurologic function disorders (memory, attention, speech, movement) that have been caused by stroke, cerebral injury, or as a result of neurological illness.

The therapy is not limited to solving problems or problematic communication alone; it is also beneficial for discovering one’s hidden potential, for perfecting and developing one’s personality, for finding fulfilment in life, the joy of living and sense of satisfaction.

Music therapy is not suited for:

patients with acute conditions (psychosis, hypertonic crisis, etc.).

Therapy cycle

Introductory session

Assessment sessions

Therapeutic process (12 or more sessions)

First visit during which the reason for the therapy is discussed; outlining the first cycle of sessions

2-4 sessions during which the desired goal of the therapy is formulated through musical interaction and therapeutic conversation

Musical interactions that meet the client’s/patient’s needs and help to reach the set goal

Length of a session: 60-90 minutes (determined by reaching an agreement and choosing the appropriate method of sessions).

Process

Music therapy and psychotherapy are both rooted in the same theoretical basis of psychology. The music therapist, same as the psychotherapist, must have an understanding of an individual’s mental development and must be able to identify the root of problems in question.

The greatest difference in music therapy is the significantly lesser verbal communication. The music serves as a medium – the client/patient uses music for expressing him-/herself either by listening to music or by using various instruments for expressing his/her emotional and physical feelings. The element of music helps to see the problem “from without”, helping to realise how the problem can be solved.

Very few therapists around the world specialise in music therapy for deaf or hard of hearing patients. The vibration of the sound is used for developing the ability to orient oneself around the room, as well as for developing bodily sensations and different senses.